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How do I start researching my genealogy?
Where does my last name come from? What does it mean?
What is the best way to make a family tree?
What are second cousins? What does “removed” mean?
How do I find my family’s crest?
How do I find out if a family story is true?
How can I do genealogy research for free?
How should I organize my genealogy research?
I’m stuck and I’ve tried everything. What do I do now?
How do I find records that aren’t online or indexed?
How do you research ancestors who lived prior to 1800?
What is the best way to share my research?
How do I preserve my research for future generations?
What does your last name mean? What’s a second cousin twice removed? And what’s the deal with family crests?
These are just a few of the common questions you might encounter when you start exploring your family history. In this article we’ll provide answers to these and many other genealogy questions we’ve received from readers throughout the years, as well as the truth behind some common myths and tips for organizing and sharing your findings.
How do I start researching my genealogy?
There is so much family history information available today, it can be difficult to know where to begin. Many people skip right to searching names on large databases like Ancestry. However, this approach doesn’t always yield the most accurate information.
To build a strong foundation and start your genealogy on the right foot, we recommend setting a specific goal to keep your research focused and productive. Ask your family members what they know and fill out a simple family tree. From there, review what blank spots are in your tree and create a plan to find the missing information. Learn more about how to start your genealogy on the right foot in our guide for beginners.
Where does my last name come from? What does it mean?
Determining where your last name comes from is not an exact science. The answer largely depends on your ancestors’ cultural naming conventions and traditions. Some common surname origins include places (“Hill” or “Lachlan”), occupations (“Smith,” “Cooper”), physical characteristics or patronymics (surnames based on the father’s name).
Both Ancestry and FamilySearch have surname origin finders. There are also a variety of books and websites you can search.
What is the best way to make a family tree?
If you’re creating a family tree for research purposes, your main options are either genealogy software or websites (such as Ancestry). Both of these options have their unique advantages, and the best option for your research depends on how much customization and privacy you want. A combination of both might suit you best. For example, using genealogy software to create a “master” family tree that you then sync with a major website.
If you’re creating a decorative family tree, there are a variety of free templates you can find online. Many of the major genealogy websites allow you to print attractive family trees directly from your account. There are also specific companies that specialize in creating and printing family trees, like Family ChartMasters.
What are second cousins? What does “removed” mean?
When it comes to cousins, the terms “first, second, third, etc.” refer to the closest ancestor you and a cousin share in common. You and a first cousin share a set of grandparents in common, you and a second cousin share a set of great-grandparents in common, and so on.
Things get a little more complicated with “removed.” Removed refers to the generations that separate you and a cousin. For example, if your second cousin had a child, the child would be your second cousin once removed because you and the child are one generation removed from each other.
Still confused? See our guide to cousinhood terms and our handy chart.
How do I find my family’s crest?
Unfortunately, family crests and coats of arms are a bit of a genealogy myth. Coats of arms were granted to individuals, not families. However, arms can be inherited. You would need to find the coat of arms in the issuing country’s heraldic register and prove a line of unbroken male-line descent. Keep in mind that the laws of heraldry differ with each country.
How do I find out if a family story is true?
Most families have at least one questionable family legend. Common themes are military victories, surname changes or famous ancestors (“Cherokee princess,” anyone?)
To find out if your family stories are true, familiarize yourself with common tall tales. Next, determine what you know and identify evidence that could prove or disprove the story. Search for the evidence, then evaluate what you find. You can learn more in this article from archivist Richard Hite, and from his book Sustainable Genealogy: Separating Fact from Fiction in Family Legends, (Genealogical Publishing Company).
How can I do genealogy research for free?
When you start genealogy research, it can seem like subscription websites are the only way to find what you need. While it’s true that you will most likely need to pay for access to records at some point, there are tons of records available for free online.
Start by browsing our list of helpful, free websites. Also keep in mind that many subscription websites offer certain record collections for free, including Ancestry and MyHeritage (look for the green “Free” tag).
How should I organize my genealogy research?
Organization is a perpetual struggle for many family historians. Genealogy generates a lot of material to organize: paper documents, photos, notes, and more—not to mention all the digital assets that also need organizing.
Each of these areas requires its own strategy, however there are a few general tips that will help you control the chaos:
- Establish an organization routine that you can do consistently
- Choose a filing system for printed materials that fits your research
- Create a standardized file-naming system for your digital files and stick to it
What about all those thoughts, theories and notes you jot down during a research session? Enter the research log. Research logs might seem tedious, but they can do wonders for keeping your research organized, not to mention they allow you to pick up right where you left off without re-doing research.
I’m stuck and I’ve tried everything. What do I do now?
In genealogy this situation is commonly referred to as a “brick wall.” Brick walls can be extremely frustrating. The best course of action will depend on your specific research, however there are a few general tricks you can try:
- Write a research report. Taking on this methodical writing project might help you clarify the problem, identify holes in your research and discover new strategies to try.
- Create a timeline. Timelines can help you visualize your research in a new way. They can expose logical inaccuracies that may be tripping you up, or reveal a specific date range that you should research more thoroughly.
- Use a different research method. If you’ve been primarily focusing on direct-line research, try changing up your strategy. Explore cluster and collateral research, or researching your ancestor’s FAN club (friends, associates and neighbors).
Still no luck? You may have hit a true brick wall. If that’s the case, there’s nothing wrong with putting the issue aside and focusing on another line. You might find that taking a break and coming back with fresh eyes is just what you needed.
How do I find records that aren’t online or indexed?
For all the records that are available online, there are more that are yet to be digitized and made searchable. You can find unindexed records on FamilySearch by using the Historical Images Portal. On Ancestry you can browse unindexed records by using the Card Catalog. Use the search filters to find collections that may be relevant to your research.
What about records that aren’t online? To find these records, you’ll have to go the old fashioned route and identify places and institutions that may have archival records you’ll need (churches, courthouses, local historical societies, libraries, etc.). Then, either make a records request or plan a research trip!
How do you research ancestors who lived prior to 1800?
Generally, the farther back you go in your research, the more difficult it becomes. This goes double for those researching African American ancestors, for whom tracing ancestors before the Civil War can be extremely difficult (but not impossible).
To research American ancestors before 1800, the first step is to familiarize yourself with the records types that are available in the times and places where your ancestors lived. These frequently include church records, estate records, military service and land records.
Prior to 1840, censuses only named the head of the household with tick marks for other members. Try searching for a potential head of household in census records and then correlate the census data with any other information you have on the family.
What is the best way to share my research?
How do you share your research in a way that’s accessible and interesting, even if your audience doesn’t share your love of family history? There are so many creative ways to package and share your family history, from binders to photo books to family history websites. However, all the most successful projects tend to have one thing in common: stories.
Look for stories in your research that your family members can relate to. Good candidates are immigration stories, a struggle your ancestor endured, or the story behind a family tradition or object. Whatever form your project takes, transforming your findings from a list of dry facts into a compelling narrative is a good strategy for sharing your research.
How do I preserve my research for future generations?
When it comes to ensuring the future of your genealogy research, the most important thing is to make sure it is organized. Anyone who inherits your research is much more likely to get rid of it if it’s an incomprehensible mess. This also applies if you are planning to donate your research to a library or archive. You can safeguard the future of your research by making sure it is clear, well-organized and easy to understand.
You also might consider creating a genealogy will or codicil. In other words, create a document that describes what is in your family history collection (digital assets included), where they are located and what your wishes are for them. We all make plans for our most valuable possessions after we are gone, your research deserves the same treatment!
Last updated, September 2023
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